EAST Portlemouth resident Sarah Linton has donated more than £1,200 to Age Concern in Kingsbridge after a fundraising party.

The stormy weather of Monday, August 1, didn’t dampen the spirits of the one hundred plus partygoers who turned up to the beautiful Old Rectory in East Portlemouth to raise money for the local charity.

The party, an enormous success despite the inclement weather, was held under large candle-lit tipis on the lawns of the period house on the edge of the Salcombe estuary. Guests arriving in sou’westers quickly dried out as the barbecue sizzled, the beer and Brazilian cocktails known as caipirinhas flowed, and children toasted marshmallows over the fire pit.

Three local music groups, who gave their services for free, provided diverse entertainment. The Old Gaffers sang traditional sea shanties, Becky Brine gave a wonderful cabaret performance and local six-piece band the Mannequins had everyone up and dancing until midnight.

Becky Brine also turned auctioneer for the event, raising both laughs and funds for Age Concern.

Among the promises snapped up at the auction was a surfing lesson on Bantham Beach with professional surfer ‘Dave the Wave’ from Bantham Surfing Academy, a ride in a classic Bentley provided by Mike Knowles of East Portlemouth, a gourmet three-course meal home delivered by Minette Marin and Ian Hislop of Frogmore Creek, a personal taxi service to and from Totnes courtesy of Eco Taxis, dinner for two at the Millbrook Inn and the Pig’s Nose at East Prawle and private tours of two local farms.

Sarah Linton, who organised the event and now runs the Old Rectory as a Bed and Breakfast, said: ‘Age Concern in Kingsbridge is a vital and sometimes overlooked local cause, and it was a wonderful evening and I was amazed by everyone’s generosity. A huge thank you to all those who donated their service fro free - particularly the very talented musicians.’